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Events range from ag to �Zillerator� Photo by Bob Pennell By Joanna Collins Jean Emerson, 17, spent part of Monday morning shaving the hair off her goat, Max, so he could be judged today. Emerson, who has raised animals since she was 7 as part of Future Farmers of America, hopes to sell Max, along with a steer, at livestock auctions at this week�s Jackson County Fair. The Phoenix girl was among hundreds of participants who hustled Monday to prepare for the opening of the annual event at the Jackson County Exposition Park. The Central Point fairgrounds fairly bustled with people tending everything from cows and cyber-cafes to carnival rides and cookies. A record-breaking 153,000 people attended the six-day event last year. "We�re expecting huge numbers again," said fair manager Chris Borovansky. For entrants like Emerson, the event is a culmination of months of hard work and commitment. She takes Max running and along on errands. "He�s like a big dog," Emerson said. "He rides in the front seat of my truck." Yvette Lewis, a junior at Phoenix High School, didn�t speak as affectionately about her goat who also lined up for a shave. After learning he opened gates, pulled down skirts and chewed on shoelaces, she aptly named him "Trouble." "He�s a pain, but you get used to it," Lewis said. It has been a long time since the fair was all about agriculture. "We�ve got such diversity out here," Borovansky said. Country singer Toby Keith kicks off performances tonight. He�ll be followed throughout the week by groups K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Gallagher, Tanya Tucker and War. The shows are included in the price of admission. "We think we�re perhaps the best entertainment value in the state," said Borovansky. "I mean, where else can you see Toby Keith for $7?" Most of the acts you�ll see around the grounds are local, said Borovansky. Activities range from karate demonstrations to fiddlers. The technology pavilion gives computer-shy folks a chance to learn to surf the net. One of the most popular attractions is the carnival, which this year includes rides such as the "Zillerator." If parents aren�t ready to see their kids "zillerated," there�s a special area of rides set up for small kids. Despite light clouds and a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms today, fair-goers should stay dry. The National Weather Service predicts clear skies all week with highs in the 90s. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The carnival is open noon to midnight today through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for people older than 62 or younger than 12. On Wednesday seniors and kids get in free until 5 p.m. Discount coupons are also available daily at different locations. Parking is $3 per carload. Bus service is provided for those who want to save the trouble of finding a parking spot. Buses depart the Rogue Valley Mall in Medford and Crater High School Central Point frequently. Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA